Arrival

Arrival [2016]                                            DIR. Denis Villeneuve 8/9/25 There is just one word to sum up the glorification and the depth of this piece of art which is beyond magic that Villeneuve has brought to this emotional heartbreaking and pulse raising beauty which is Arrival (2016). That word is ‘Magnificent’ it’s a Sci-Fi film that feels like it should have its own genre, it is ahead of its time and I won’t stop thinking abt the mind behind Denis’ it’s absolutely incredibly, the most cinematic artists of our generation, absolutely.  Arrival (2016) had me crying, jumping up and down gripping the side of my bed, bare shocked and in daze of amazement, I felt as if I experienced fight club again. The farming of every single shot, most focusing on the main two scientists and the colonel using OTS shots and an excessive amount of establishing shots which fits the theme of the film and blends well with all of the motifs and set themes used in this science-fiction/invasion drama. Acting is what takes the stage the performances of Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner are spot on and don’t not fail, these were perfect casting choices for the roles of Louise and Ian, who over succeed in not only creating a perfect on-screen chemistry but one that shows a platonic one that moves into an intimate and romantic one. Supporting character roles from Forest Whitaker and Michael Stuhlbarg as the Colonel and the Head Military Agent, these characters carry the main characters through the plot of the film and there performances shape the tension and the depth of the theme of this film. The morbid but also peace-supporting switch between the focus of the mission and Louise’s daughter is perfect and has incredible continuity which leaves the audience shaken, but able to follow the plot so it doesn’t lead to far away from the focus of the film. The switch between the two contexts is very heartwarming and settles a very hybrid but straightforward theme throughout each context change, as seen throughout the course of the film it both context lead to a mutual continuity so that the plot can progress and the deep words and dialogue between both characters depth and impact on the rest of the film is shattered into the audiences perspective. The impact both unexpected and expected that all main characters have on the depth of Arrival (2016) is so unpredictable that it comes as such an incredible shock, it shook me so much. This masterpiece is gripping to experience and extremely perspective-shifting and life changing.  Villeneuve’s cinematography is unmatched in this piece of art but also in all of his other work. Denis does not miss he always delivers. The terrifying and gripping delivery of the ‘Aliens’ in this film, the way the plot approaches the learning and the self-education of an unknown vessel is absolutely incredible, the way both actors approach it as a real thing, it makes you feel like your pulled into the reality, like you’re in the camp as a person of interest. It’s so amazingly gripping. Communication conveyed when the scientist trying to make contact with the Heptapods, it’s so inspiring and eye-opening, truly. Visuals of the scenes in the ‘ufo’ and the tension buy up leading up to the moments every time they renter the ‘ufo’ are so satisfying and inticiing to experience. The visuals and colour contrast used when establishing the shape and form of the Heltapods is so consuming, it’s almost impossible to lose interests in these moments of the film because it’s so interesting and feels so real for some mad reason. This film is a 10/10 I would watch it over and over because it feels like art. This film is gripping. I 100% recommend watch this film with no distractions at max volume and in the dark. If it re-releases in a movie theatre you’ll be blessed. Arrival (2016) - Art.